Official: Nani leaves FC Aktobe

After a few months in Kazakhstan, the former Manchester United winger brings his spell to an end

Europe Today at 10:30

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Official: Nani leaves FC Aktobe

Nani and FC Aktobe have parted ways. The 39-year-old Portugal international has announced his departure from the Kazakh club, which he joined in January 2026 after briefly bringing his professional career to an end. The two parties are therefore going their separate ways after a few months together.

Three goals in 26 appearances for Aktobe

Nani had initially decided to hang up his boots in December 2024, after his spell with Estrela da Amadora in Portugal. But in January 2026, the former Manchester United player chose to return to action by signing with FC Aktobe until the end of the season. In the colours of the Kazakh side, he made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

Football is special because it is about much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about people, shared experiences, and the connections you build along the way. In Kazakhstan, I had the opportunity to get to know a new culture and find a community that welcomed me so warmly. At Aktobe I did my best to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career, hoping to contribute to the club’s development and help it grow, both on and off the pitch. I would like to thank the club, its staff, the passionate fans and everyone who made my time there so special. You will always have a place in my heart. It was a pleasure to be part of FC Aktobe ❤️🤍
— Nani (@luisnani) October 31, 2026

To announce his departure, the Portuguese player posted a message on Instagram in which he took the time to thank the club and its supporters:

In Kazakhstan, I had the opportunity to discover a new culture and meet a community that welcomed me so warmly. At Aktobe, I did my best to share the knowledge and experience I have accumulated throughout my career, in the hope of contributing to the club’s development, both on and off the pitch.

Nani leaves behind a career marked by numerous experiences in European and international football. The winger notably represented Manchester United, Sporting Portugal, Lazio, Valencia, Fenerbahçe and Orlando City. With the Portugal national team, he made 112 appearances and scored 23 goals. Above all, he won Euro 2016 with Portugal, one of the highlights of his career.

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